Members of the United States Colored Troops to be Commemorated in Dedication Ceremony

The African American Heritage Society of Maury County announced that a dedication ceremony to commemorate the placement of the names of 54 members of the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) from Maury County and 4 white Maury Countians who fought and died for the union in the Civil War will be conducted on Oct 19th, 2013 at 10 AM at the Maury County War Memorial Monument located outside the Maury County Court House.

The program includes an honor guard from the black Civil War re-enactors of the 13th U.S.C. T. Regiment who will present and post arms to honor these men, as their names are read into Maury County’s place of history.

The Key Note speakers include, Mr. Patrick McIntyre, Director of the Tennessee Historical commission; Mr. John Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Foundation, and Dr. Bobby Lovett. Ms. Dorothy Oliver will sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Oh Freedom, followed by a prayer and taps to honor these brave men.

A luncheon will be served following the ceremony at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall at St. Peters Episcopal Church on 7th St. Dr. Bobby Lovett of TSU will speak. Luncheon reservations are available until October 10, at $25 per person.

The history of the 13th U.S.C.T. where most of these Maury County men served can be found at www.13thusct.com. The regiment was formed on Sept. 24, 1863 at Murfreesboro, Tn. The 13th USCT Regiment was presented with its Regimental flag by the colored ladies ofMurfreesboro, TN on Nov. 19, 1863. The 13th USCT was initially stationed in defense of Nashville and railroad facilities in Middle Tennessee. The unit repelled the forces of General Nathan Bedford Forrest on several occasions and was engaged in battles at Johnsonville and Nashville. In Dec. 1864 the 13th USCT Regiment was consolidated with the 12th USCT and 100th USCT under Colonel Thompson into the 2nd Brigade. The Second Brigade, including the 13th USCT participated in the fierce assault on the right wing of General Hoods Army of Tennessee in the Battle of Nashville on Dec. 15- 16th,1864 at Overton Hill (Peach Orchard Hill). The battle site can be seen today just west of I-65 at the Harding Place exit, where a historical marker has been placed. The 13th USCT was mustered out of service on July 7th, 1865 in St. Louis.